NSA Honors Departed Friends
One of the many expressions of love and care that our National Spiritual Assembly showers upon the members of the American Community is prayers for friends who have recently passed from this world, and many times they send letters honoring or remembering the services of these friends, sometimes addressed to the Local Spiritual Assembly or the Auxiliary Board member who may have shared the news of the passing. Here are some samples from these love letters, shared by Leila Eady, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation:
On the Passing of Mr. Martin Flick, Homefront pioneer to Dubuque, Iowa with his wife Marcia
Addressed to Mrs. Marcia Flick:
The National Spiritual Assembly learned with sadness of the recent passing of your dear husband and cherished life’s companion, Martin, and our hearts go out to you as you mourn this loss. We extend our loving sympathies to you, his adored wife; to Anthony and Amanda (Mandi), his beloved children; and to all other family and friends whose lives were touched by Marty’s cheerful, friendly spirit.
A champion of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh for nearly half a century, Marty’s was a life devoted to his faith, to his family, and to his community. His contributions in the path of service in various capacities are recalled with our warmest admiration—among them, as a staff member of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust; as a member, for a number of years, of the Local Spiritual Assembly of San Mateo, California; and as a generous friend who, in recent years and together with you, opened your warm and loving home to regular devotional gatherings.
Be assured of our heartfelt prayers for your solace and strength in the coming days, and for the everlasting progress of Marty’s luminous soul, already welcomed to its eternal abode in the “glorious paradise” of the heavenly realms.
On the Passing of Mrs. Diane Naaktgeboren of Linn County, Iowa
The National Spiritual Assembly was saddened to learn from your email letter of June 9 of the recent passing of beloved maidservant of God, Diane L. Naaktgeboren, a devoted member of the Eastern Iowa community. To the extent that you are able, please convey to Diane’s dear husband, Rick, and to any other family and friends who may be known to you, the deep condolences of National Assembly on their loss.
Be assured that the National Assembly will offer prayers for the everlasting advancement of Diane’s precious soul throughout the worlds of God, that she may “become a flourishing tree beside the stream of divine knowledge, laden with fruit and blossoms and appear in the utmost freshness and tender beauty through the sprinkling of the clouds of His bounty.” We will pray, too, that all who held Diane dear—particularly those residing throughout Jones and Linn Counties—may be given an ample share of divine comfort and strength during this difficult time.
On the Passing of Mrs. Laraine Bergman of Cedar Falls, Iowa
Addressed to Mr. Lyle Bergman:
The National Spiritual Assembly was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved wife, Laraine. We recall with admiration Laraine’s wholehearted devotion to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh as you served, side by side, in your community, including as members of your Local Spiritual Assembly for many years. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We extend them also to your children, Brent and Todd, to Laraine’s sister, Rosalyn, to her grandchildren, Jake, Hanna, Devin, and Alynda, and to all who held dear this precious maidservant of God.
Be assured of the prayers of the National Assembly for the progress of Laraine’s radiant spirit and for the solace of your grieving hearts. May the Blessed Beauty’s assurance of “days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight” beyond this world bring you a measure of comfort until you are reunited with your cherished companion in the Abhá Kingdom.